“New Tongue” by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara is a powerful and thoughtprovoking poem that explores the complex themes of language, identity, and cultural heritage. The poem delves deep into the poet’s personal experiences as a diasporic individual, grappling with the complexities of navigating between different linguistic and cultural worlds.
The poem’s structure is unique and impactful, with its use of free verse and enjambment contributing to the overall sense of disorientation and longing that permeates the text. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each focusing on a different aspect of the speaker’s struggle with language and identity. This structure helps to guide the reader through the poet’s emotional journey, from a place of confusion and frustration to a sense of acceptance and empowerment.
One of the most striking aspects of “New Tongue” is its use of diction and imagery. The poet uses evocative language to bring to life the sensations of displacement and alienation that the speaker feels. For example, the line “my tongue is a map of lost words” conveys the sense of longing and disconnection that comes with being caught between different cultural and linguistic worlds. The poet’s choice of words is precise and poignant, striking a balance between beauty and raw emotion.
In terms of poetic devices, Kamara employs a range of techniques to enhance the poem’s impact. The use of repetition, for example, in the lines “I am fluent in absence / my tongue stuttering / on the syllables of the past” serves to reinforce the theme of language as a source of struggle and longing. The poet also makes use of enjambment and varied line lengths to create a sense of movement and flux, mirroring the speaker’s own sense of dislocation and uncertainty.
Overall, “New Tongue” is a stunning and evocative poem that delves deep into the themes of language, identity, and cultural heritage. Through its powerful imagery, precise diction, and skillful use of poetic devices, the poem captures the complex emotions of the diasporic experience with clarity and sensitivity. Elizabeth L. A. Kamara’s voice shines through in this piece, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges and joys of navigating between different linguistic and cultural worlds.
